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Here are the first images of a new Toyota Willander SUV for the Chinese market. The SUV is based on the RAV-4 SUV but it has been majorly re-designed with new front and rear bumpers, new headlights, new taillights, new front grille among other changes. The SUV in these images is a Hybrid variant. What do you guys think of the Toyota Wildlander SUV?
IMAGE SOURCE

Toyota has confirmed that it is developing a new small-sized SUV for the European market, based on the TNGA-B platform. I have come across some new renders for the SUV. What do you guys think of Toyota making a small-SUV?
You can read more about it here - https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/toyota-confirms-new-small-suv-415608
IMAGE SOURCE

Car buying is not as easy as it used to be anymore. There are hundreds of options out there, with cars coming in all sorts of different shapes and sizes and configurations at every possible budget. Add to that the insatiable thirst of the Indian marketplace for big, imposing cars, which are also somewhat affordable and what we are left with is finally a narrower field of vision. Some of the largest and most rugged SUVs in India can be found for sale within 35lacs. To help you choose your next car, we came up with this Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Endeavour vs Volkswagen Tiguan comparison test.
But why these cars only?
Toyota Fortuner is an established name in India. The direct rival in its path, in terms of rugged design and utility is the Ford Endeavour. And almost out of nowhere, Volkswagen has provided us with the Tiguan which might be the most sensible choice as your daily car.
Or, is it?
We don't know yet, but we WILL know for sure how each car stands out in different categories which will help YOU make a better purchase for yourself, if not THE best.
The new Toyota Fortuner makes the most sense, the earlier Fortuner was good, so this must be great too, right?
Yes, and no. See, the problem is that the previous Fortuner was a great car, for its price. In a segment which was dominated by Honda CRV and Hyudai Tucson at one point of time, Fortuner stood out like a body-builder on steroids in a room full of skinny teens. Its road presence, and the overall package made people overlook its shortcomings like slow speed ride quality and the interiors, which were more like the Toyota Innova, which at the time came at under 15lacs and was a budget minivan. It was tough to call it a premium package, even at that price.
And that is exactly why the new Fortuner has come into being.
In the looks department, Toyota decided to look towards its Lexus brand for inspiration. If the curves of the older Toyota Fortuner reminded you of the Toyota Corolla, the creases of the new one would remind you of the Lexus RX, somewhat. The Toyota Fortuner now is even more imposing than before and boasts a more striking design, busy and not so easy on the eyes. Now that you know that you will turn heads in the Fortuner, let's head over to the more important bits.
It is impressive on the outside, but what about the Fortuner's interiors?
Interiors are good, but again, not for the price. With the top-of-the-line Fortuner closing in at roughly 32lacs, we expect a little more than exposed wires in the glove-box and a lack of use of metal components. The interiors sure feel luxurious and upmarket, but a little more attention to detail would not have bothered anyone.
Toyota Fortuner's specifications:
So, what do you get mechanically for that price? The Fortuner is available with a 2.7-l petrol and a 2.8-l diesel engine. The 2.7-l petrol unit is capable of 164bhp and 245Nm of torque. The larger diesel mill produces 175bhp and a whopping 450Nm of torque. It is worth mentioning here that only the 2.8-l diesel unit is available with 4x4. Manual and Automatic versions are available for both, petrol and diesel. The prices for all the three SUVs would be listed together towards the end of the article.
The Ford Endeavour has no chance to survive in front of the Fortuner, or does it?
Ford could not win a court-case against a spice-powder manufacturer for the name Everest, yeap, that is what the Endeavour is called in other markets, then how can we expect it to win against the segment leader, the Fortuner? Here's the deal. This is where things get real. The forums are all tilted towards the Fortuner, however, when it comes to driving off the tarmac, the Endeavour will DESTROY the Fortuner.
Ultimately, these are Sport Utility Vehicles, emphasis 'Sport'.
The Endeavour and the Fortuner, both are really capable off-road. The Fortuner comes with features like rear axle diff lock, Hill Start Assist Control, Hill Descent Control and Active Traction Control. The Ford Endeavour also comes with roughly the same features, it gets 225mm ground clearance, 5 mm more than the Fortuner, though. What the Endeavour also comes with is a Terrain Management System with three settings: Snow mode keeps RPMs low for greater control, while enhanced ABS and torque control help minimize wheel slip; Sand mode provides you with a more aggressive torque transfer, a more sensitive throttle response, and even wheel slip to keep the momentum going; Rock mode keeps 4WD in first gear for greater control and maximises ABS and torque transfer to help you navigate through gravel, rocks and the kind.
However, what actually sets the Endeavour apart from the Fortuner is this:
Ford Endeavour's specifications are something which are yet to be seen in a SUV of this budget. The top-end Endeavour comes with a 3.2-l diesel with roughly 200hp and 470Nm of torque. The Endeavour is higher than the Fortuner by 5mm, has 25bhp more, and an extra 20Nm of torque. The final nail in the coffin is the fact that the Endeavour is also lighter by 340kg. Add to this the 800mm water wading capability of the Endeavour and it is clear which SUV is winning off-road.
But, there are things which even the Endeavour doesn't do well.
Interiors of the Ford Endeavour are elegant, just like its exteriors. They are in no way flamboyant. And as for the touchscreen infotainment system, it does not get Apple CarPlay OR Android Auto. The best thing about the inside is the neat instrument cluster. It has screens on either side of the speedo which sits in the middle, providing you all sorts of information. Even the tachometer appears among other readouts, which can be seen one at a time.
And then there's the little issue of fuel economy. The 200hp 3.2-l diesel unit burns a liter of fuel every 10.9km, which is roughly 16% lesser than that of the Toyota Fortuner, which gives 12 kilometers to the liter.
Which one is for you then?
If you want a product which is classy and elegant, then the Ford Endeavour makes a lot of sense. If you need something which shouts 'Look at me!', you might go for the Toyota Fortuner. Ford Endeavour is your no frills SUV, it will get you anywhere, even in some places where the Fortuner might not, because of its higher torque and bhp figures. The overall fit and finish of the Endeavour is better, however, the interiors of the Fortuner impress more.
If you live in the city rather than the suburbs, then your choice may be different. Actually, here's the truth.
Neither of them fit in with the city environment.
The low mileage is only expected to fall further in the city, and their enormous proportions are exaggerated in traffic. Moreover, flyovers don't require Hill Descend Control or 4x4. Sure, you can go for the less powerful variants of these SUVs, and can use them as limos, but since these are driver oriented machines, the concrete jungle is just not their habitat. However, that has not stopped people from buying them. In fact, they have been selling pretty well.
However, there's a game changer among us.
With dimensions similar to that of the Tucson, and priced with the Fortuner and the Endeavour, and made to target the luxury segment, the Volkswagen Tiguan seems to have it all.
It's rivals help define what IT really is.
If backseat comfort is your priority, then the Volkswagen Tiguan is for you. Moreover, despite being a crossover, you can not call it an overpriced hatchback by ANY means. It is loaded with features not seen on either of the previous discussed SUVs. The Toyota and the Ford look like what an American football player would buy, the Tiguan however, looks like it is the daily vehicle of choice of some model, who happens to tackle some mud and bogs on the way to the location of the photoshoot. It makes the large SUVs look absolutely brash, that's how good it is. And its strongest point is its pedigree. Thanks to the tech which has been derived from cars like this:
Tiguan's specifications are its strongest point.
You can pretty much be assured that the Tiguan is really capable. It looks soft on the eyes, seats just 5, and moreover is low slung, and it is in fact a crossover. But don't be fooled by its resume. The Tiguan comes with the 4motion technology, which transfers torque according to grip levels to individual wheels in real time. It always helps that the Audi S1 Quattro was a part of the Volkswagen group. AWD has been a strong point common to many cars, right from the humble Tiguan to the big Bentleys. It also has a Drive Mode Selector which allows you to choose from four presets- Normal, Offroad, Offroad Individual and Snow. It also comes with Hill Descent Control.
But there's more.
It also comes with a panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags, ABS, ESP, and despite being loaded with way more features, it weighs just a tad more than the Fortuner. A 2.0-l TDI diesel enable the Tiguan to produce 141bhp and 340Nm of torque, which is quite sufficient for it. Where it trumps the bigger trucks is its mileage, returning 17 kilometers to the liter. That is hatchback territory.
Here's the bottom-line.
If sales figures are anything to go buy, the Toyota Fortuner is your choice of ride, hands down. It largely dominates the market. It is no doubt, a great SUV. If you need some flash and dash, there is no better SUV in this price segment that attracts eyes quite like the Fortuner does. However, if you really need to go off the road, the Endeavour is the SUV to go for. After beating around the bush, the little fact that Endeavour is lighter, more powerful and equally equipped, has finally surfaced. The Fortuner is great, no doubt, it is just that the Endeavour is a tad more capable.
So, how does the Tiguan fit into the comparison? As discussed earlier, the Tiguan too is well-equipped for off-road use. However, its weight and ground clearance bring it down when it comes to mud bogging. It is the ideal car to go for in the city, that is for sure. If your daily runabout does not require a massive SUV, then the Tiguan is for you. What the sales figures show is that the market is not yet ready to pay this amount of money for a Volkswagen yet. Price is what made the Volkswagen Phaeton a flop in the Indian market, and that trend seems to have infested the sales of the Tiguan too. However, if you are able to look past the price, it is a really capable machine.
Here's a link to the original article: https://wp.me/p7ZTce-13Q

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Toyota Corolla is one of the company’s longest production car, the first car came out of the factory back in 1966. Since then it is known for its reliability and longevity. The Toyota Corolla is up there behind the Volkswagen Beetle. We’re talking 50 years and 40 million cars, a milestone that's being marked with a 2017 Corolla. It is also one of the most important products of the Japanese automaker in India with an ever-increasing price tag.
This Year Toyota has revealed the 13th Generation Corolla Altis in India. In its new avatar, the Toyota Corolla Altis is now better equipped with a number of quality features. The well-cushioned seats with ample leg space and headroom and the strong suspension system with McPherson struts at the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear will give you a comfortable and luxurious ride quality with elegance.
Toyota Corolla Altis Engine Variants:-
The new Toyota Corolla Altis will be powered by the same set of engines which were powering the previous generation. A 1.8 Litre DOHC Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine with a maximum output of 138 bhp and 173 NM of Torque. And a 1.4 Litre Diesel Engine with Variable Nozzle Turbo and Inter-cooler producing 86.79 bhp of power and 205 Nm of Torque. The Petrol Engine is available with 2 transmission option a 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic. But the Diesel is available with only a 6-speed manual transmission option.
1.8 L DOHC Dual VVT-i Petrol
138 bhp and 173 Nm
1.4 L D-4D Diesel Engine
86.79 bhp and 205 Nm
Transmission
6-speed Manual And 7-speed CVT For Petrol and a 6-speed manual for diesel.
Toyota Corolla Altis Exterior:-
The new Corolla Altis features a much bolder and sportier-looking front bumper with wider radiator grille and new fog lamps. It has Halogen front lamps for the base variants and Bi-beams LED headlights with daytime running DRL's. The side profile is fairly the same except this time it gets a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels with 10 spokes and 15 spokes options. The car also gets electrically adjustable, retractable and auto-fold rearview mirrors.
Toyota Corolla Altis Interior:-
Toyota has also worked upon the quality and finish to be better than its predecessors. Inside the car, it gets a Dual Tone interior with 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and 10 - Way Adjustable Power Driver Seat with Limber Support. It also gets a 7.0" soft Touch Screen with steering mounted Audio Controls, MID & Bluetooth Switch. Luxurious Features like Cruise control, Dual rear power sockets and smart entry with push start button are also pres Infotainment System
Toyota Corolla Altis Mileage:-
The Petrol Variants gives an economy of 13.64 in city and 15.49 with manual and 12 in city and 14.3 with automatic. Whereas the Diesel Variants gives 19.2 in city and 21.4 on Highway with the manual
Thank-You very much
If you like this please comment and share your views.
Please visit my blog for more Automotive related articles:- https://autophotogreek.blogspot.com/

Toyota will unveil an all-new compact SUV on November 5. This new SUV will be a global model and will be built at multiple locations. Here's a computer-generated rendering of what it could look like. What are your thoughts on this compact SUV?
IMAGE SOURCE

Maruti Suzuki is going to be supplying its mid-size sedan Ciaz and MPV Ertiga to Toyota in India and Africa according to a joint release made by the two manufacturers. What do you guys think about this partnership and the cars that are being shared between the two carmakers?
SOURCE

These are the first leaked photographs of the next-generation Toyota Corolla.Toyota had showcased a saloon concept called the Corolla Furia at January’s Detroit Motor Show, which was believed to preview the new Corolla’s styling. From these first pictures it seems that although much of the aggressive detailing has been toned down for production, the car’s basic shape and sharp lines have remained faithful to the concept.
The styling also appears to be heavily influenced by Toyota’s other recently launched international models – the Rav4 and Auris, and there are hints of the new Camry in there as well.
The front looks very Etiosish to me really.
Read the whole story here: http://www.autocarindia.com/News/331472,new-2014-toyota-corolla-leaked.aspx

I am really confused by the launch of compass. Yes,I know Jeep is "the brand" and what its known for. Initially I was so much excited with the news that Compass will be launched around the price of Fortuners and all. But I am definitely disappointed with the power they have given in variants. What do you suggest if I should go for the range of 15 to 18 lacs, Creta or Compass? And what if I go up to 22 to 25 lacs, Fortuner or compass top model?

Hello guys some of you may remember me from my Audi A6 thread , the car now has long joined the family and is doing well . Now that being said i want to purchase an SUV that can do long highway trips without much problem , i have shortlisted the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubushi Pjero Sports .
I have test driven the pajero sports and loved its ride and steering , i loved the way you sit having a clear view of the road , i even liked the interiors which are much more better than the Toyota Fortuner . Now for the downside it does not have an AT transmission , iam not so sure about mitsubushi either , if they will operate or leave in the distant future
Now for the Fortuner it looks good no doubt IMO better than the pajero , its a bit wide as well , it has an AT transmission . I know for sure Toyota is here to stay , though the ride is not that accurate and is bumpy .
I for one wont be doing serious off roading , but it should be able to withstand our highways without much trouble
Now for the main thing . When will the new Toyota Fortuner come into india ?
is Mitsubushi planing to introduce a new Pajero Sport if so when ?
I dont want to be stuck with an SUV that will have a new model within two years my deciding factor is this
Please give your valued inputs on this matter and help me chose
Thank You

Hi, we recently bought a Toyota Fortuner 2.5 AT 4x2. It had completed 2300kms on the odo and I think its the right time to review my car.
Ride and Handling – The ride is very smooth and it takes the big potholes with ease. The handling of the car i feel is very good and i feel comfortable when taking big turns. The steering feels very light in city and when its crosses 70-80 the steering weights up nicely.
Space – When you step on the car it feels you are on a 5star hotel. Its legroom is pretty large and the seats are well cushioned. It is a very comfortable car. It can take 7-8 passengers at a time with ease.
Looks – From the outside it looks like muscular. The bumper is well lined and the light are pretty good. And the sliding roof is just good to see from the sides. From the back its the Toyota land cruiser. Overall from outside its great looking.
FE – It gives a mileage of 8-9kmpl in city and 10-12kmpl on highways. Worst FE i got 6kmpl on a very heavy traffic and best 13kmpl.
Check out some pics of the car.

Earlier this week, we reported that Toyota had regained its No. One carmaker status, having recovered from natural disaster and massive recall campaigns. However, it seems that the company’s call back nightmare is not over, with Toyota announcing a new mammoth campaign of this kind. A total of 907,000 Toyota Corolla units will be recalled due an airbag issue, with these being followed by 385,000 Lexus IS units, which are facing a faulty wiper problem.
The majority of the aforementioned vehicles can be found in the US, where 752,000 Corolla and Corolla Matrix belonging to the 2003 and 2004 model years units are affected. As for the US-located Lexus IS, we are dealing with 270,000 vehicles from the 2006-2012 MY.
Toyota tells us that the Corolla’s airbag control module for the supplemental restraint system may be affected by internal shorting, which could lead to the front airbags and maybe also the seat belt pretensioners to inadvertently deploy.
A Toyota spokesman explained that the company is aware of two US crashes connected to the Corolla’s air bag issue. As for the Lexus IS, the wiper arm nits may have not been tightened to the correct value. This can cause the wipers to fail if there’s a hefty mass of snow on the windshield.
Toyota has not offered a schedule for the recall yet, only saying that it will notify owners soon, with the information scheduled to be sent via first class mail.
Source: (www.autoevolution.com)

Read the news yesterday on ACI that Toyota is planning to launch the Camry Hybrids have never really found success in India. The Civic didnt sell when the price was high but as soon as the priced was dropped it was lapped up. The Prius didnt find any takers. I have hardly seen one or two around. And now this. Here is pic of the car testing in Bangalore. According to the source, the car was super silent and the badges were covered which gives it away that it is indeed an hybrid. Approx price mentioned in the ACI story was 36 lakhs. Do you think it will work? I dont thik hybrids have a future in India until the Govt. does something to give tax reliefs to these kind of cars.
Here is the pic
Spy pic source: Team BHP

Folks,
I am going for the top end petrol variant for Toyota Etios and have lot of questions.
1. There is a price difference of 1.2L between petrol and diesel variants. Is it worth sticking to petrol? How is the mileage for new etios in city limits.
2. Which is the best tyre for this car, mileage and balance being priority. Is factory tyres good enough?
3. How widely available are accessories like side skirts, front full chrome grill available outside of Toyota's service centers
4. please suggest a great audio setup (20k budget ). I am more of an unmodified neutral sounding audiohead than a basshead.
5. Is Nandi Toyota good (Bangalore, Hosur Road)
Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone I thought of sharing my experience with TOYOTA with all of you and to reconsider your decision of buying a TOYOTA in future.
My vehicle Corolla Altis has given me more problems than a 10 year old Fiat Padmini would give and Toyota has been trying to wash off its hand from these problems by giving lame excuses.
Here is a mail that was sent by me to TOYOTA.
I shall Highlight the important lines as the mail is a bit long.
THIS WAS THE 1ST MAIL, AFTER WHICH VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS ADVISED TO GET THE A/C SWITCH CHANGED . COST Rs 22000/- My reaction was ( Is it the a/c switch of the a/c itself) . I REFUSED TO CHANGE THE BUTTON AS IT DIDNT MAKE ANY SNESE TO PAY SUCH A HEAFTY AMOUNT.
Dear Sir/ Madam
I own a SEP 2008 Manufactured ALTIS G Model(MH 04 DW 3910 ) with climat control A/C. The vehicle was purchased in Feb 2009.
However, recently the A/C on off switch has malfunctioned and needs replacement this is really surprising considering the fact the the vehicle has just completed 3.5 years and the parts have started malfunctioning as soon as the warranty came to an end. The vehicle has started showing signs of old age. I purchased a Toyota thinking of the best in class Quality and reliability , I always believed Toyota Vehicles are built to last a lifetime but unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the case. On the contrary my 9 year old Hyundai which has done more than 1 Lakh KM but there has not been any such instance which indicated poor quality.
Regards,
Kushal Goenka
https://mail.google....hTG_yTIZa?sz=24
KUSHAL GOENKA <goenkakushal@gmail.com>
5 Jan (4 days ago)
to voc
Dear Sir/Madam,
I appreciated your quick response to my trailing mail on 18 Dec 2012 soon after which you had called the vehicle for checkup at Lakozy Toyota. I was expecting my vehicle to be back with the A/C switch problem rectified, unfortunately I was informed that the part cannot be repaired and can only be replaced. I asked them to go ahead and replace the part but when the service advisor quoted the price of the A/C switch as Rs 22,000/- I was shocked at the exorbitant pricing of spare parts by Toyota and refused to get it replaced.
The never ending list of problems that I have faced with this car has shaken my Trust of Q for quality in TOYOTA Brand.
If I look back in history ever since I purchased this vehicle I have faced only problems with this car.
1) The Car had a brake pad issue during the 1st week of delivery from showroom which used to make loud noise. This was repaired by Millennium Toyota by cleaning and by repairing the faulty break pads.
2) The repairing of faulty break Pads turned out to be a costly affair for me because the pads were worn out at just 16,000km which is very very unusual and happened only because the faulty break pads were not replaced but repaired. However TOYOTA washed off its hands by claiming that this is a wear and tear part and hence it is debatable.
3) The Vehicle made a lot of body rattle which was due to the roof not being pasted properly, this was again repaired on complain.
4) The Vehicle had a Fuel pump Failure and I was stranded in middle of no where which a broken down vehicle, this was repaired the next dat at my residence.
5) The steering Column has rattling sound problem, this problem was tried to be sorted out several times and the steering column was also replaced but all in vain as the rattling noise continued.
All these problems were not enough to reflect the TOYOTA Trust, Quality that the A/C switch joined the set of problems to prove the poor quality of components, at least this time I expect Toyota come forward and rectify its quality problems.
If I had to suffer these never ending list of problems I could have gone for a SKODA product. I opted for Toyota only to stay away from the Horror stories heard from SKODA's customers on various forums . I am afraid Toyota poor quality is soon going to damage is reputation as a Reliable and quality oriented brand.
I have never heard or experienced any car with these many never ending problems be it an Indian manufacturer or foreign manufacturer. In future I would like to stay away from such a problematic Brand as 'TOYOTA' and would also suggest my well wishers to stay away.
Its high time Toyota wakes up and stops singing its song of Quality Revolution, as there is no revolution without evolution.
Regards,
Kushal Goenka

Global car giant Toyota Motor Corporation will consider launching moresmall cars and entering fast growing segments like compact SUVs in order to achieve market leadership in India.
The company, however, said in the absence of a clear cut Indian government policy relating the auto industry such as fuel policy and import tariff, it is adopting a wait and watch strategy before deciding on setting up of a new diesel engine plant in the country or launching more hybrid cars.
"If you look at our portfolio in India, we have just one small car, Liva. We need more if we have to have big volumes in a fast growing market like India," Toyota Motor Corporation Managing Officer Satoshi Ohiso told reporters here.
While he did not share details of the company's future product launches, Ogiso said another prime focus of the company is the fast growing compact SUV segment.
"Globally, the compact SUV segment is getting more popular and in India it is also the same. We will definitely have our presence there," he said, without elaborating details.
Full article here : Economic Times

Hyundai is working hard to get the new Santa Fe here in 2013. The current car, priced at Rs 23-26 lakh, is very important to the brand, and the Korean company is keen to build on its success.
The new third-generation Santa Fe is the latest Hyundai to adopt the company’s now infamous ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language, but it also gets its own new design dialect, called ‘Storm Edge’. The company says it “captures dynamic forms created by nature during a storm”. The new Santa Fe is clearly more attractive than the current model sold in India; testament to this is the sharper headlight design, the huge front grille and plenty of design flourishes.
Internationally, two versions of the new Santa Fe exist. There’s the normal 4689mm (2700mm wheelbase) version for markets where urban agility is more important, and a longer, 4905mm (2800mm wheelbase) version that replaces the Veracruz in the USA. Despite the Indian infatuation with imposing road presence and acres of cabin space when it comes to SUVs, we are likely to get the shorter version, currently being produced in the USA.
Step inside and you are greeted by a cabin swathed in a continuation of Hyundai’s new design philosophy. Blue lighting lends a futuristic touch; there’s the layered dashboard design and a classy blend of wood trim and leather abounds. International markets will get both five- and seven-seat versions, although it’s the latter that Hyundai will bring to India. The current SUV suffers slightly from a shortage of head- and knee-room in the third row of seats, and Hyundai says it’s made some improvements in this area (the wheelbase of the car is the same, but the car is longer, especially the rear overhang). In time-honoured fashion, the Korean manufacturer will brim the India-spec car with features. The current-gen SUV already has no dearth of features, and it will be interesting to see what new features Hyundai can add. Overseas, the fully loaded car comes with a self-parking system, a tyre-pressure monitor and a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and some of these could certainly come here.
Under the hood, Hyundai has updated the same 2.2-litre diesel that powers the current car, but has made improvements mostly geared at better economy and lower emissions. Power and torque figures are identical to the current car (194bhp, 42.9kgm) and still class-leading, and that means it is likely to be extremely tractable, with plenty of pulling power.
Hyundai also has a smaller 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel on offer now, and would do well to introduce this engine option in India for a more competitive price point, similar to what Chevrolet has done with the Captiva.
A big SUV though it may be, the car-like driving manners of the current model are one reason for its success. The new car also rides on an independent suspension, with a new sub-frame providing additional insulation from the road. These two factors are vital in helping Hyundai find an ideal balance between ride and handling, just like it is on the current car. An interesting fact is that the new Santa Fe’s body shell is built from technology used on the European-market i40, recipient of the EuroCarBody award in 2011.
The new Santa Fe’s primary competition in India will come in the form of the Renault Koleos and the recently updated Chevrolet Captiva. Despite being plagued by a dated dashboard design, inferior material quality and ageing looks compared to the other two, the current Santa Fe still manages to hold its spot as the best car in the segment, thanks to its tough build, decent ride and handling, and superior engine and gearbox combination.
The ‘Fluidic’ Santa Fe, expected sometime in mid-2013 at an estimated price of Rs 24-25 lakh, could take Hyundai’s success in the SUV segment to the next level.

Toyota has revealed its Toyota Corolla Furia concept car at the Detroit motor show, the firm’s first clues as to the future direction of its best-selling saloon. The Furia is the latest in a string of recent concepts from Toyota with bolder and more distinctive designs, following a personal plea from company chief Akio Toyoda for the firm to become more daring and break free of its conservative image and appeal to younger buyers.
The concept is 4620mm long, 1805mm wide and 1425mm high, with a wheelbase of 2700mm giving it relatively short overhangs. The concept is boldest at its front, with the design a much more striking interpretation of the look found on the new European-market Auris.A sharply raked windscreen and low roofline ensure a lower sleeker profile than that of Toyota’s current Corolla. A usual array of more outlandish concept features make it onto the Furia, including 19in alloys, lashings of carbonfibre trim and a large rear diffuser with integrated exhausts.
“The Corolla Furia Concept is an early indicator of where our compact car design may lead in the future,” said Toyota vice president Bill Fay at the concept’s unveiling in Detroit. He hoped the design “would surprise a lot of people".
View the full gallery of the Furia here:
http://www.autocarin...-gallery,1.aspx

Toyota has launched the Fortuner with a 5 Speed autobox as opposed to the 4 speed box it had earlier. This variant is available in 2WD only. Toyota claims this new box will provide better comfort and driveability. Bookings for this model start from 18th January 2013.
Additionally, the limited edition TRD Sportivo Fortuner trim has now been incorporated as a regular trim level to its line-up.The TRD Sportivo trim comes with additional features such as front and rear bumper spoilers, a rear roof spoiler, and a TRD Sportivo emblem. The Fortuner TRD Sportivo trim is available in three dual tone colours - Super White and Grey, Silver and Grey and White Pearl Mica and Grey. An all-new Pearl White Mica colour is also available in all trim levels.
The new introductions are priced at:
4x2 AT (with five-speed auto transmission) - Rs 22,33,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
4x2 AT TRD Sportivo (with five-speed auto transmission) - Rs 22,93,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
4x2 MT TRD Sportivo - Rs 21,96,668 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Hi, I am planning to buy a new Diesel D-Segment Sedan...
Well the choices are many like -
Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra
Chevrolet Cruze
Toyota Corolla Altis
Skoda Laura
Volkswagen Jetta
Renault Fluence
But out of these I shortlisted the following:
Hyundai Elantra 1.6L CRDI SX (M/T) 14.85 lakhs
Chevrolet Cruze 2.0L VCDI LTZ (M/T) 14.77 lakhs
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.4L D-4D 15.3 lakhs *ex showroom Delhi
Now there were initially only the first two cars which i like but seeing the brand reliability of toyota, i considered Altis... VW and Skoda are too expensive and featureless and Fluence too is price and styling is too french which i dont like...
From the above three which car should i go for?
Main criteria: Fuel Efficiency, Features, Space & Comfort...
Chevrolet cruze because of the sunroof has a headroom issue for which seats need to be lowered as its not comfy else... Elantra appeals by its style, features and tremendous space inside while altis is too old and dull...
Also Elantra pampers me with ventilated seats, bluetooth & hell lots of features along with safety... Cruze offers less than elantra but one good feature i.e sunroof which creates headroom problem and altis looks too plain...
Also i am wondering that many say cruze fuel efficiency is quite low around 10-12 in city...
Which one should i go for?

Toyota recently held a boot camp Delhi for Fortuner owners. Owners got to experience what their cars are capable of since most of the times their SUVs are most of the time driven in urban traffic conditions. The Landcruiser was also seen at the event
Check out the whole gallery here: http://www.autocarin...-gallery,1.aspx

Toyota is now in process of readying its next-generation Corolla. These are the spy shots from Autoblog. The pictures show that the new Corolla would mimic styling cues from the new Camry and also from the more upmarket Avalon Saloon. (Sold only in North America).
We recently saw the new Camry for India and it looks like a Mini-Lexus, and now one can easily expect the next Corolla to follow suit.
Story source: http://www.autoblog..../#photo-5233518